cgcastanedo-75966 Reviews

Darkest Hour (2017)

Never Surrender

[9/10 · 29 May 2020]

One of the most outstanding English filmmakers of the X generation, is undoubtedly Joe Wright, who since childhood shows artistic inclinations in painting, theater, TV and finally in 2005 presents his first feature film Pride & Prejudice, achieving a pleasant impression on the public and critics, then among others: Atonement 2007, Anna Karenina 2012 and her most recent film Darkest Hour in 2017. The film is set in London exactly 80 years ago in May 1940, when the Nazis advanced uncontrollably in Europe and the English government for that reason, faced a political crisis, which ended in the rise of Winston Churchill, as Prime Minister, to the same time that other political rivals pressed for peace to be signed with Germany and thus overthrow Churchill. Aside from Oldman's affinity for the character of Winston (he studied it for a year) and Wright's touch to show the 'phlegm' and behavior of the English and their leaders, the strength of the film lies in the closeness of history with what happened in reality, regarding Churchill's conviction not to surrender against tyranny, to defend their land, their ideas and their freedom, then facing his political rivals he says: "Nations which go down fighting rise again, and those that surrender tamely are finished" A decisive moment in the history of the world -as we know it- that meant a great sacrifice, pain and loss of life for the English families, but that in the end with the victory, it was demonstrated that their leader was right not to give up, in another great phrase says to his critics: "You can not reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth" A renowned orator and iconic politician, he had to earn the respect of the king as well as his entire people in order to rule. Huge screenplay by Anthony McCarten Admirable performance by Gary Oldman very good performances by Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn and Stephen Dillane

Gravity (2013)

Fight until the end.

[10/10 · 29 May 2020]

Through a first fascinating sequence shot with an elaborate cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki that recreates life in outer space, we witness the crew of the space shuttle on a routine mission, thus Cuarón begins his story from a common event to direct it towards a science fiction story, where he slowly turns the viewer into one more character, seeing, feeling and participating in the fears and emotions of the crew while involving us in the theme and plot of his film. We are enjoying the effects of gravity "0" floating, dancing and admiring the spectacular views, when we suddenly have to face an emergency situation that is triggered in a fraction of seconds by an external factor. Then the duality of the meaning of Gravity becomes clear, on the one hand the force of attraction exerted by the planets and also the great risk or "gravedad" that exists in a mission of this type. An exciting thriller that transports us to the infinite emotional universe, experiencing despair, anguish, claustrophobia and suffocation, but always leaving a last resource to try without fainting. Fight until the end. In addition to the script, written by Alfonso himself and his son Jonas, the production of Gravity took more than 4 years, due to the complexity of shots and sequences in a 0 gravity environment, which forced the creativity and innovation of those responsible of the special effects. For the selection of the star, 10 of the most recognized names were handled: Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Marion Cotillard, etc. but for agenda or various reasons, the responsibility falls on Sandra Bullock who, despite the deviousness of the production, achieves the best role of her career. There is a director. The film, in addition to being a worldwide box office success, won 7 Oscars, 233 awards and 182 nominations and, more importantly, positioned Mexican cinema, Alfonso Cuarón and Emmanuel Lubezki as great authors of our time. Shocking musical score by Steven Price. Cast Includes George Clooney

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Posthumous film of Kubrick

[10/10 · 29 May 2020]

The marital intimacy and sexual fantasies of a couple with 9 years of marriage is the theme chosen for analysis in Stanley Kubrick's posthumous film, "Eyes Wide Shut" A movie that, like the rest of the director's works, is also a highly made film and that took more than 2 years of production, with pristine setting, decoration, music and cinematography, set in NYC, but filmed in London. The insinuation, the flirting, the jealousy and the desire, are integral parts of this dream, nightmare or trip towards the unimaginable, and that necessarily lead to a catharsis, where the reflections of their behaviors and actions return them towards a revaluation of their life as a couple. The vigorous and revealing sequence within the bedroom sets the tone between harmony and chaos, between reality and fantasy. Born in Manhattan, Kubrick was an innovator, passionate about film techniques, and a perfectionist in every way. Although he only made 13 feature films throughout his life, his productions had an impact on society, are still current and continue to worry, to mention a few: Spartacus 1960, Lolita 1962, Dr. Strangelove 1964, 2001 A Space Odissey 1968, A Clockwork Orange 1971, The Shining 1980, Full Metal Jacket 1987. "Eyes Wide Shut" is a key film in the history of cinema, for Scorsese it is the 5th. best film of the 90's, for Kubrick himself, is his best work. A film that shows that with a great director, even Tom Cruise can achieve a good performance and not just pose. 4 days after showing the finished tape to Warner Bros executives, Kubrick dies. Great performances by Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, starring as well: Sydney Pollack, Sky Dumont, Todd Field.

We All Loved Each Other So Much (1974)

A tribute to Italian Cinema

[10/10 · 29 May 2020]

If there is something that distinguishes this film from so many and so many very good ones that we have seen, it is the affection, the love, that Ettore Scola gives to the narration of his movie "We All Loved Each Other So Much" that is why the film is dedicated to the master of Italian cinema Federico Fellini, who made us laugh and cry so many times with his masterful touch. At the end of WWII in Italy, Gianni, Antonio and Nicola, become great friends and suffer the limitations of the postwar period struggling to survive. Scola frames his history by paying a deep tribute to Italian cinema and his homeland. And so, we see beautiful cinematographic resources, already in disuse, such as: freezing of actors and expression of thoughts, black and white and color photography, the recreation of the iconic scene of the Trevi Fountain, from the classic 1960 film, "La Dolce Vita" with Marcello Mastroianni himself and Federico Fellini on stage ... To the 3 friends, destiny puts a common denominator, Luciana and from this moment on, the true friendship between them, regarding opportunities, interests and love... life itself, is put to the test. With the beautiful sequence of the roundabout that starts in black and white and continues through time towards color, we see each one take a different path to the future, to face them again years later and learn about the life choices of the 4 characters. A real gem of the cinema. Sober performances by Nino Manfredi, Vittorio Gassman, Stefania Sandrelli

Dark Waters (2019)

Haynes Shallow Waters

[5/10 · 29 May 2020]

Disappointing film manufacturing on a very important real event described in the article "The Lawyer Who Became Dupont's Worst Nightmare" and published in the New York Times Magazine (Sunday supplement of the NYT newspaper) that refers to the heavy contamination of a powerful transnational company, caused by a plant in West Virginia and the fatal consequences for its employees, inhabitants of the region and final consumers of its products worldwide. Huge Story, Huge Complaint, Renowned Actors: Disappointing Movie. Todd Hayne's "Dark Waters", supported by a bad script by Mario Correa and Matthew Michael Carnahan, rushes to tell us the whole story from the beginning of the film, that is, in the first minutes we know the entire plot, leaving only pending to discover, whether the villains will be penalized or not. It is a very poorly told film, terribly flat, without any rhythm or climatic moments, it could have been a good thriller, but Haynes instead decided on a very long (126 min.) and boring melodrama. It is also, very unprofessional, that the director cheatfully tries to trick us with a false tension, during the scenes of the parking lot, trying to give some life to his dying film. The crooked frames are chaotic and unjustified. There is no direction of actors, throughout the movie we see a totally expressionless Ruffalo and a wasted Hathaway. Natural themes such as "the greed and insensitivity of corporations" could be the "leitmotif" of the film, instead they were replaced by banal events of work and daily life, so that it too, little by little went getting polluted until it succumbed. Cast includes: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Pullman

Taxi Driver (1976)

"You talkin' to me?"

[10/10 · 6 May 2020]

One of the most renowned contemporary American filmmakers, with a fair amount of high-end films, is undoubtedly Martin Scorsese. From its beginnings in the sixties to the present time, it has dabbled in practically all film genres and at the same time generated work dumbbells with great actors, such as in this case, Robert De Niro with whom he has made a dozen films, including his most recent work "The Irishman" and since 2002 with Leonardo DiCaprio with whom he has also filmed several and very good movies. "Taxi Driver" 1976, continues with his critical description of his native New York that had begun in another great 1973 film "Mean Streets" showing without contemplation the degrading life in which part of its population operates. Supported by a script by Paul Schrader, of strict Calvinist training, which denotes the strong moralistic burden of the film, Scorsese through the vision of a taxi driver "with studies here and there" Travis Bickle, (travel vehicle) presents us the imperative need of the human being to be recognized, to be someone and even more important to find meaning in life. Thus we enter the routine life and pathology of a lonely man, in an impersonal city full of garbage, crime and vices. "I think somebody should just take this city and just ... flush it down the f----n 'toilet". Scorsese, plays the passenger in the taxi who notes his wife's infidelity, to personally underline the rot of his society. Travis, witness of all this and of his bewildering and traumatic personal experiences, and immersed in his great psychosis, decides to take action and do justice on his own. "Listen you f-----s, you screw heads. Here is a man who would not take it anymore ..." This film is key for countless reasons, in addition to positioning Scorsese as a 1st-level filmmaker, it consolidates Robert De Niro as a talented actor and drives the very successful career of Jodie Foster when playing a prostitute with only 12 years of age. Both the Michael Chapman cinematography and the sometimes poignant and at other times relaxing music of Bernard Herrmann, added to the script of Paul Schrader and to the excellent interpretations of Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster make "Taxi Driver" a classic and current film from the end of the S XX. Cast includes Cibyll Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks.

Hair (1979)

"The Fight for Freedom"

[10/10 · 6 May 2020]

The film production of Milos Forman can be divided into 2 stages, one is that carried out behind the 'iron curtain' in his native Czechoslovakia and the second is the cinema of primarily American manufacture from the 1970's after leaving his country in 1968. However, its permanent theme was anti-institutional criticism. "The Firemen's Ball" 1967, is a strong irony on the outdated communist system, reflects a fire at the ballroom of 3rd. age firemen's party. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" denounces the dehumanization of mental institutions. "Hair" for its part, criticizes the war institution, a theme that he dominates perfectly due to his traumatic experiences that even made him an orphan. Based on the successful musical work of the same name in 1967, with a script by Michael Weller and photography by Miroslav Ondricek, Forman delights us with a super musical production, where feelings and values of a generation emerge, that through a great movement of love and peace, it transformed the institutions and determined the way, thought and culture of the coming generations. From the powerful opening sequence leaving the house in Oklahoma, the bus trip to NY, the start of music with the drums, the burning of the draft card, the choreography of Twyla Tharp, the 360° movement of the camera and the encounter between all the characters of the movie during the 1st. musical number "Aquarius" shows how with great subtlety, Forman raises the essence of the film. The director's mastery of "Hair" is highlighting the struggle (of that generation) against authority and the 'establishment' while seeking freedom of expression and social equity. A good portion of scenes with great dramatic content such as "Easy to be Hard" where a mother questions the behavior of Lafayette, her partner, then "3-5-0-0", in which Forman, clearly establishes his position in front of the institution lacking intellectual capacity: the solution is the use of weapons so the speakers are destroyed. And without a doubt the imposing demonstration in front of the White House demanding "Let the Sunshine In" Outstanding performances by Treat Williams and John Savage. Beverly D'Angelo, Annie Golden, Dorsey Wright, Don Dacus also perform.

Jaws (1975)

"Hope"

[10/10 · 6 May 2020]

The premiere of the 2nd. Spielberg's film, "Jaws" in June 1975, marks the first "summer commercial success" in film history, but more importantly, it unveils a director who with his innovative cinematography will influence global thinking and action, from "baby boomers" to the current generation, crossing all imaginable genres and themes, from dinosaurs to extraterrestrial life. The cleverly constructed thriller tells how various events alter the peaceful life of a community, through a story with 3 characters representing society: the authority Brody, the scientist Hooper and the adventurer and bounty hunter Quint, who decide to liquidate the common enemy and get Amity to regain her peace. From the disturbing opening scene, the shots at the water level, the underwater, the subsequent attacks, the appearance of Quint and the slap that denounces the irresponsibility of the authority, are elements that take the tension to the maximum and force them to make the difficult decision to "go fishing" to an unimaginable challenge. Character, abilities, weaknesses and interaction between the 3 are put to the test during their confinement on board the "Orca", their ability to respond to adversity, depends on success and the possibility of survival. The improvised phrase by Scheider "You're gonna need a bigger boat" the enormous tension between the 3 characters, the music by John Williams that turns the predator into a 4th. protagonist, the precise edition of Verna Fields, plus the narrative touch of the author (with his masterful climatic sequences) according to the AFI, place "Jaws" in the 2nd. thriller of the story and in the 6th. musical score and before his audience, in an anthology film. Masterful performances by Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider.

Match Point (2005)

"I'd rather be lucky than good"

[10/10 · 22 April 2020]

Within the vast film production of Woody Allen, the film "Match Point" is a benchmark for several reasons: It is the beginning of "the Scarlett era", who will star in a total of 3 films, "Scoop" and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". It is the 1st. movie shot entirely outside of New York and with British actors. It is also his first drama since 1988 "Another Woman" Very intelligent and well told story about opportunities, morality, desire and life decisions, 'constant' "Allenians" that summarize his key theme: Love and Death. The title of the film and the first shot warns us about the important 'variables' of life, on the one hand Match Point = Deciding Point and on the other hand, the "luck" which will define if the ball, when hitting the edge of the net, falls in your favor or against you. Allen begins his romantic drama with a simple story of a casual encounter that will have to be complicated as the personalities and connections between their very well delineated characters develop, relationships that influence the decision and determine their choice of life. Through an elaborate script with great phrases, as well as citations and literary and operatic references, Allen strengthens his story and then we listen: Who is my next victim? Chloe asks playing ping pong. Strindberg and Dostoyefski refer to the "morality" of the events depicted in the film, "A Furtive Tear", the Italian Aria with which the film begins and closes, is a poor peasant singing to his beloved a wealthy landowner. With a growing pace the plot has become increasingly distressing and more pressing, so there is no choice but to play the game and end the suspense, strategies are raised and the game progresses, finally Chris throws the incriminating ring and this one hits the edge of the fence of the River Thames, an image that refers us to the beginning of the film, a fact that will define the winner of the Match Point. "I don't care if he's great. I just hope he is lucky" Tom says at the end about his newborn nephew. Now Woody Allen invites us to discern on the morality of history, is there crime without punishment? Stunning and compelling performances by Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Rhys Meyers cast includes: Emily Mortimer, Matthew Goode, Brian Cox, Penelope Wilton.

Who You Think I Am (2019)

"Empty Nest Syndrome"

[8/10 · 22 April 2020]

The crisis of the 50 years is enhanced by abandonment and introspection arises, to face the fear of loneliness. I still can? Am I capable? so how do I cope with my recent condition? Lie, seduction, revenge, manipulation. "Celle que vous croyes" excellent French film that explores human mind and behavior. Juliette Binoche's cinematographic presence is such that she becomes the motor and rhythm of the film, the camera only follows her... Safy Nebbou, French director, has his origins as an actor and later a theater director, before jumping onto the big screen. "Who You Think I Am" is his sixth feature film and was co-written by director and Julie Peyr, based on the novel of the same name by Camille Laurens. While the title in Spanish is "No Soy Quien Crees" The title for Spain is "Clara and Claire" which suggests 2 personalities, the truth is that this movie also has several shades, on the one hand it is a psychological drama and at the same time it is a romance and a thriller. The film depends almost 100 % on a consecrated and iconic actress Juliette Binoche, the entire film revolves around her actions, in the secondary roles the therapist played by Nicole Garcia and the technology played by Fb, smartphones, GPS. Male roles are for decoration. Claire: "I do use social media Dr. Bormans. For people like me it's both, a shipwreck and a life raft"

A Rainy Day in New York (2019)

The Magic and Power of Women"

[10/10 · 18 April 2020]

Woody Allen's most recent film (2019) is a huge film. One more... Naivety, youth and beauty, powerful mix that makes director, writer, actor and boyfriend -characters- succumb in "A Rainy Day in New York" Two more women: The mother who calms the waters and the opportune Chan who takes advantage of the momentum ... Life in New York, the relationship of the couple, nobody dominates these themes better than Woody Allen. As is traditional, a movie written and directed by the prolific New York filmmaker. Yet another strength: it is Woody Allen's well-established team in production, photography by Vittorio Storaro (3rd. movie) and editing by Alisa Lepselter, the latter with 20 years of work on the team. Pleasant and very convincing performance by Elle Fanning, in the role of the naive university reporter. Cast includes: Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez, Jude Law, Diego Luna, Liev Schreiber, Rebecca Hall.

The Beguiled (2017)

Who is beguiled?

[8/10 · 17 April 2020]

Sofia Coppola directs and co-writes "The Beguiled" film script based on Thomas Cullinan's novel, about 7 women held for protection at a boarding school for young ladies in Virginia during the Civil War. Sofia Coppola highlights the ways of behavior and reaction of 5 young girls and 2 women before the unexpected encounter with a wounded enemy soldier and who in a joint decision they decide to shelter and heal at their school. With a Philippe Le Sourd cinematography, Sofia generates an adequate atmosphere and demonstrates her touch as a filmmaker, capturing within an apparent environment of cordiality and refinement with prayer, music and singing, as opposite attitudes also arise that will alter this 'beautiful' ambience. Thus, the principal, teacher and students modify their attire, they want to please, flirt and seduce, behaviors that necessarily lead to games of competition, jealousy and eventually treason. Until now the corporal has been a game for them, now the corporal also plans to participate in it ... The director now generates a climate of greater closeness, warmth and intimacy, to arrive with a good dose of suspense to the climax and end of the film, where harmony has been interrupted, desire has ignited, there are consequences and a plan will have to be found, to regain stability. As in the beginning, everyone will participate in the planning and execution, forgetting, friction and feelings ... Sofia Coppola won the 'Palme d'Or' for best director with this film, for her interesting approach that allows you to discern who is the seducer and who is the seduced. The title of the film was translated into Spanish as "La Seducción" and also as "El Seductor" In English it means "El Engañado" I'm sure Sofia loved playing with ambiguity.

Cast includes: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Oona Laurence, Angourie Rice, Addison Riecke, Emma Howard.

Easy A (2010)

" El redentor sale crucificado"

[8/10 · 13 April 2020]

In the '80s director John Hughes impacted audiences with 2 movies that became "cult" for the teenage audience of that time: "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club" Although some important films about this stage continued to be produced in subsequent decades, I must say that there was a time when the commercial product proliferated with excesses in language, alcohol, drugs, sex and without any dramatic content. With his movie "Easy A", director Will Gluck pays tribute to John Hughes by telling a fun story that contains the interests and concerns of a large group of young students at a public high school in Ojai, California, in 2010. Using an elaborate Bert V Royal script with very sharp dialogues, the director weaves a consistent plot in which his characters seem to be obsessed and with the firm purpose of building a false image of their true personality. From this thesis, the director establishes a satirical comedy tone and gives free rein to pointing out the topics that concern him about our society: the games of loyalties and disloyalties as appropriate, friendships for interests, fidelities, betrayals: hypocrisy. The film also shows how a small lie to support someone, can lead you towards a very problematic process for yourself and for third parties, reaching a point where amending mistakes and demonstrating the truth, will necessarily bring consequences and collateral damage. Another very important aspect of the film "Se Dice de Mi" is the emergence of a great actress, who until now had only appeared in minor roles and here she forcefully demonstrates her limitless histrionic abilities, Emma Stone. A very agile comedy full of references, scenes, cinematographic and literary that together with the thematic force, the measured direction, plus the impressive performance of Emma Stone make "Easy A" a key film and a benchmark in this genre. Cast includes: Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, Lisa Kudrow, Malcolm Mcdowell

Bombshell (I) (2019)

"The Tip of the Iceberg"

[7/10 · 8 April 2020]

Revealing film that documents the complaint of sexual abuse, made by Gretchen Carlson TV host, against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes in 2016 and which is gradually adding more women victims of the deplorable behavior of the powerful executive. With this story "bomb" of real life, plus the spectacular cast that integrates Bombshell, the director had the main ingredients to make it a great work, however the film never exceeds the anecdotal level of its history. We know nothing about Ailes, his friends, accomplices, interests, or his relationship with his wife; she continues to support him, but has she never known or sensed something in so long? The film is slowly blurred with unnecessary information and insinuations, such as the Republican convention, Trump, Giuliani, the power, the lawyers, the media shock, Kayla's intimacies, etc. Suddenly, confusion, gossip, speculation reigns, the plot, the rhythm, the tension, and the interest are lost, until the end that we all already assumed comes. In the absence of further analysis of the key characters in the film, their behaviors seem unpredictable and whimsical. Megyn's puzzling monologue when she decides to report is the climax of the film. Incomprehensible that the 3 protagonists do not have a rapprochement when they fight for a common cause, is it ego or is there more? Insulting, that the epilogue reports what it cost Fox News, to liquidate its executives and what it paid in economic compensation to its victims, it seems that the moral damage committed to women is not the important thing, the significant thing is: the millionaire figures that loses the company. It is the type of film that, although it seems to be very brave in its complaint, also seems to shield a lot of background information. We only see "The Tip of the Iceberg" Convincing performances by Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie. Also perform: Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, Allison Janney, Malcolm McDowell. Script by Charles Randolph.

Parasite (2019)

"The Parasite Case"

[7/10 · 8 April 2020]

With a light comedy tone and a very insightful vision, Bong Joon Ho begins an agile story about social classes, their differences and paradoxically their similarities, with great sharpness he also analyzes the legitimate aspirations of social promotion... But at what price? From this thesis, many themes and subtopics emerge: simulation, lies, threats, which lead to stronger ones: revenge, hatred. Bong Joon Ho brings such control of his film that he even turns technologies (cellular) into one more protagonist, who will always be present throughout its history. So far so good, but the climax of "Parasite" its conclusion and its end depart from its very interesting beginning, the director seems to want to change now the tone of his comedy towards drama and / or terror, only to end up losing control of his narrative with a grotesque denouement. Consequently the film reduces its intensity and interest with which it started, becoming confusing and anticlimactic. "A case of parasitosis that quickly went viral and spread to Hollywood itself, who began to distribute prizes..." Casting includes Kang-ho Song, Sun-kyun Lee, Yeo-jeong Jo, Woo-sik Choi, So-dam Park. Sarcastic sequence of the confrontation with the old housekeeper, who uses the cell phone to threaten, as if it were a weapon.

First Man (2018)

"A personal challenge"

[8/10 · 8 April 2020]

Biopic on the life of Neil Armstrong in the sixties, starting in 1961 on a test flight out of the atmosphere, until reaching the moon in 1969. After his 2 successful films "Whiplash" 2014 and "La La Land" 2016, a more mature Damien Chazelle presents "First Man" about the life of a man with clear goals and his full personal commitment to achieve them. A detailed vision that revolves around the intimacy of his family life and his friendships and that, at the same time, contrasts with his iron discipline and total dedication to his work. Within that antagonistic environment, the director communicates the anguishes, fears, disagreements and fatalities that were present throughout this period of his life. And so Chazelle captures, on the one hand, a silent, self-absorbed and tormented Neil, 100 % dedicated to his own spatial challenge, to help him overcome the tragedy that overwhelms him and culminates in getting rid of Karen's bracelet on the moon. On the other hand, Jane his wife, who comments that Neil "seemed very stable to her, that she aspired to live an ordinary life with Neil", she represents in this story, the character "down to earth" who enables and generates coexistence and more importantly: it means family stability. "First Man" 4th. and most recent feature film by Demian Chazelle, is a game of mixed positions and a mixture of ironies between political actors, the scientific community, the media, society and primarily the family. Convincing Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy performances with a climactic scene demanding Neil talk to his children about the risks of the mission. Cast also includes: Jason Clarke, Kile Chandler, Corey Stoll. Shocking music by Justin Hurwitz

1917 (2019)

"Perseverance"

[9/10 · 7 April 2020]

With a permanent dramatic and visual journey, Sam Mendes infects us with his absolute and total determination, to fulfill his mission despite the many and dangerous adversities of the journey. Let's quickly remember the director, a little over 20 years ago he surprised us with "American Beauty", "Revolutionary Road" and then he showed his skills in action cinema with 2 movies of 007, "Skyfall" and "Spectre" to name a few. Based on his grandfather's memories -about his experiences in the WWI- for the first time Mendes co-writes a story, where he warns us about the need to go through great difficulties in order to reach our destinations and goals -and then yes- feel satisfied for having been partners in the common struggle and having achieved good for our friends and brothers. With an impressive rhythm, the film gradually acquires a galloping and obsessive journey against time, going through situations of tension, despair, helplessness and pain: life itself. As if that were not enough, the determination of the British director is such that he unites 3 entities into one, that is, he turns the camera, the music and the main character into the eyes of the viewer; besides at this moment the 'tempo' of the film is already an "in crescendo" so the tension reaches the limit and it is necessary to give the last effort, in order to reach the top that we have all set ourselves. Apart from his forceful theme on perseverance, the author, with the intention of giving more drama and veracity to his story, establishes technical fulfillment commitments -as it is, the effect of making the film appear to be a single take-, (for this purpose, it was necessary for the cast to train for 6 months) These commitments are elements that in the end make the film rounder and give it greater coherence. The film is a true personal achievement, made with great vision and a passion for cinema. Captivating original music by Thomas Newman Shocking photograph of Roger Deakins Masterful performances by Dean Charles Chapman and George Mackay Also performing: Daniel Mays, Colin Firth, Pip Carter, Benedict Cumberbatch

Little Women (2019)

"I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for"

[9/10 · 6 April 2020]

6th film version of Mary Alcott's novel "Little Women" almost all of them, movies of great manufacture, great actresses, directors and the 3 most recent ones directed by women. In addition to the highly analyzed theme of the novel's author, regarding family life and dynamics between 4 sisters and a mother, during the Civil War, "Little Women" 2019 with script and direction by Greta Gerwig, consolidates the original work by introducing her vision on the condition of women, in the conservative and macho society of the 19th century. Based on the expectations and roles that society has established for them, with great finesse and at the same time firmness, the director questions the limited options that women had to face life. The script makes her position clear in Jo's voice: "Women, they have minds and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they've got ambition, and they've got talent, as well as just beauty." And so, Jo shares her love with literature, her sisters and leaves the rest for her love life. Meg is the opposite, she wants to marry for love not for interest, start a family and have a home. Then Greta, gives us another great dialogue in the voice of Amy, pointing out how difficult it is to make money as a woman to support your family and primarily how the laws favored men in marriage. The strength of this film resides in the director's intelligence, by unmasking all these absurd positions and taboos, which have been the thought of man for several centuries and of some who still share them today. The stupendous work of Yorick Le Saux photography deserves special mention with beautiful frames that color the deep love in the film. The title of my review is another great phrase from Greta Gerwig's script. Huge performance of Saoirse Ronan, also act: Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

"Awareness"

[7/10 · 6 April 2020]

Through the naive gaze of a 10-year-old boy, Taika Waititi tells us the key moment of "Awareness" of a society that has been suffering the consequences with pain for years, for having given their unconditional support to a leader, who is on the verge of debacle, through an interesting story located in Germany at the end of World War II. Film that shows how influential society is due to age, socioeconomic status or ignorance and how easy it is to be able to manipulate it. Which points out the tricky methods of induction and promotion, through false nationalism, of exalting self-pride, of promising even the impossible, of making you see yourself as the Messiah, of idealizing yourself as the Savior of your people: Populism. The New Zealand director makes it clear in Jojo Rabbit that the way to open your eyes, 'kick' the false illusion and realize reality, is through love and not hate. Accept us all as we are, regardless of physical conditions, races or religions. In a burlesque and repetitive way, the author offers a couple of scenes, underlining the ridiculousness of the greeting to his leader, extolling praise, total dedication and unquestioning submission to him. Comedy with a satirical tone, which although it has some good ideas, does not manage to go beyond the anecdotal level of the plot in order to turn it into a great film. The ideas: In a movie that is located in a time of war, it is a very good idea to start with: "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles to set the tone for the film's parody. It's also a great idea, concluding with "Heroes" by David Bowie rounding out the message of the film, with phrases from the song: "We Can Be Heroes, Just For One Day" Bad idea: using slow motion, trying without success, to give a poetic touch to a satirical-political comedy. Performances include: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell

Lady Bird (2017)

"Free as a Bird"

[8/10 · 6 April 2020]

A frank and honest story about the life of a teenager who is about to come of age: 18 years old, with all the fears, concerns, expectations, and illusions, typical of that moment. It is actually a film about a very intense relationship between 2 women of character and well-defined personalities, LadyBird and her mother, who know each other, face each other, need each other and love each other deeply. The film that was produced in 2017 is also an autobiographical story, set in 2002 in Sacramento, California, written and directed by Greta Gerwig who opens her heart and shares with us her memories of that time, her friends, her conquests, her school, her parents: her life; when she was then a teenager. The strength of the film lies in the naturalness of its narrative, its truthfulness, the joy with which she remembers her encounters and her misunderstandings, her struggle to get ahead despite setbacks and difficulties, in order to finally achieve her aspirations. Lady Bird is the debut of Greta Gerwig as director, she had co-directed with Joe Swanberg the movie Nights and Weekends in 2008. Undoubtedly, a talented artist and a great woman of our time, Greta Gerwig actress, writer and director. Film crediting various nominations and awards, with great performances by: Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf accompanied by: Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Lois Smith

While We're Young (2014)

"Life is what happens while making other plans"

[8/10 · 6 April 2020]

Interesting approach to mature age and the process to adapt to it, through an intergenerational comparison between "generation x" and "millennials" raised by Noah Baumbach using two documentary filmmakers and their partners as characters in his film, "While we're Young" In addition to the topic of maturity, the director shows us the different responses and behaviors of the generations to a specific topic: the making of a documentary. And the differences emerge: on one hand, generation x, with a great obsession in the search for truth, to deliver a pristine and unquestionable documentary legacy and, in contrast, the young filmmaker, doing whatever is necessary to resolve it, without any prejudice, just looking to do a well accomplished and enjoyable job. Aside from arguing over generations, the central theme is to meditate on age and plans for living life, as well as your capacity for acceptance and coexistence with others. His ability as a writer and screenwriter is demonstrated with several phrases in the film, I quote one of them at the beginning, as the title of my review. "While We Are Young" is a very well outlined film, worthy of analysis and which also fits into its theme regarding human interaction in his native New York in the 21st century. Sharp, both his last image about the new generations, as well as his final phrase: "He is not evil, he is just young" Script by Noah Baumbach The cast includes: Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried. The cast is perfect since it makes the characters seem to be more dull, 'as is' and make those who must also appear so more entertaining and dynamic.

All That Jazz (1979)

"Showtime Folks"

[10/10 · 5 April 2020]

One of the most self-critical and honest movies in film history is Bob Fosse's introspection in his autobiographical film, All That Jazz, without a doubt the greatest cinematic achievement of his career. With enormous artistic virtues learned throughout his life, such as dance, choreography, acting, directing film, theater and TV, the author captures in this film his memories, including passages of his life with friends and enemies, family, loves, passions, excesses and the harbinger of his inevitable path to death. Although the production is from 1979, the director Bob Fosse through his character Joe Gideon, recounts the events of his life that occurred in 1974 in New York, during the staging of the musical "Chicago" in Broadway and the process of editing his 4th. feature film Lenny (His previous film had been the multi-award winning Cabaret where he got his Oscar as best director.) The film is so personal, that Bob Fosse considered playing himself. The envies and disagreements with directors and producers are real, just like her lover Kate in the film, she plays herself. His editor Alan Heim appears in the editing room, his real daughter is the girl in front of the soda machine. Bob Fosse is one of the few, (or only) director who has won the greatest awards, in the entertainment industry, for his direction in both film, theater and TV: Emmy on TV for "Liza with a Z" Tony in theater for "Pippin" Oscar and BAFTA in cinema for "Cabaret" Palme d'Or in cinema for "All that Jazz" "All That Jazz" is the film that revolutionized the musical genre, due to its innumerable plastic qualities that spill out onto the screen, in the form of choreographic, editing, music and photography innovations, that consolidate a disturbing and forceful autobiographical vision of the past, present and future of the author. Masterful performance of Roy Scheider Cast also includes: Jessica Lange, Leland Palmer, Ann Reinking, Davis Newman, O'Connor Flood, Erzsebet Foldi, Deborah Geffner, John Lithgow Special mentions for Giuseppe Rotunno's photography, Alan Heim's accurate edition and Ralph Burns original music. Memorable sequence of "Air-otica" choreography, as well as the initial sequence "On Broadway" and the final sequence "Bye Bye Love"